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Q&A: Choosing a Cushion Cut Diamond for a Halo Setting With Up to $10,000 Budget

By Mike Fried,

Help me please! I’m in the market for an engagement ring.

Setting – Platinum or White Gold w/ halo
Budget – under $10k
Shape – Cushion (more square/rectangle vs. round) or Radiant

Cut – Ideal, True Hearts or higher
Carat – 1.5 or higher
Color – H or higher (let me know if you’d recommend something different given the cut and setting w/ halo)
Clarity – SI1 or higher based on your team’s suggestion. If SI1, then I would like the imperfection to be on the side of the diamond.

Thanks a million 🙂

I believe that choosing the shape is mainly up to your personal taste. Do I understand it correctly that you’re looking for cushion or radiant? And do you prefer square or rectangular?

As for the metal, we recommend WG over PT. The reason is the huge disparity in upfront costs. As our article says, the WG has to be dipped every few years and the platinum needs to be polished as well because it scratches. So ultimately, platinum costs you more in the beginning and doesn’t end up saving you any money in the long run.

Then I’ll be happy to send you my suggestion.

Yes, radiant or cushion shape. I’ll go with your recommendation on white gold metal.

Let’s focus on cushion diamonds for now.

I’m glad to hear that you like my suggestions.

No, medium fluorescence on H and lower grades can help the stone look slightly brighter. So it’s actually a bonus.

That’s great, thanks!

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What we love about them:
  • No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. Blue Nile will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
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